Bluebell rocked by defeat and serious injury

Willie Clark going past Dale Robertson in the friendly between Thornton and Tayport.

Published:17:03Thursday 05 February 2015

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Dundonald Bluebell suffered a disappointing 4-0 home defeat in their first match of 2015 on Saturday.

The East Premier League promotion hopefuls could not have asked for a more difficult opponent in their first game for six weeks as they welcomed in-form rivals Dalkeith Thistle to Moorside Park.

The visitors started the game well but the home side could have scored when Shaw laid the ball back to Main on the edge of the box, but his shot was saved.

With half time approaching it was Dalkeith who made the vital breakthrough when a headed clearance from the Dundonald defence only reached the edge of the box allowing the visitors to fire the ball into the net.

Dundonald found themselves two down early in the second half when a long ball was misjudged by the home defence. Bluebell should have got one back immediately but Shaw shot wide with just the ‘keeper to beat.

The game was over as a contest when the visitors were allowed a free header inside the box to score their third, before adding a fourth late on.

To make matters worse, striker Ian Lally has been forced to retire for the rest of the season with a career-threatening groin condition.

Bluebell will hope to get their promotion push back on track away to Montrose Roselea on Saturday.

In the North Division, Kirkcaldy YM are looking for their first competitive action since December 20 away to Forfar Albion this Saturday.

After their East of Scotland Cup tie away to Dundee East Craigie was postponed for the third time, Thornton Hibs played a hastily-arranged friendly against Tayport at Cupar Sports Centre last Saturday, losing 3-1.

Although Aiden Gordon gave the Hibs a 23rd minute lead, the Premier League side went on to win with goals from Clark Kay, Gary Sutherland and Grant Lawson.

Both teams finished with 10 men following the dismissals of Ian Hepburn and Connaire Connelly.

Hibs will make a fourth attempt to visit East Craigie this Saturday. Kick-offs are 2.00 p.m.

Meanwhile, in the East of Scotland League, Burntisland Shipyard saw their trip to Hawick Royal Albert postponed on Saturday.

This weekend the Shippy are due to host Duns in a First Division fixture at Recreation Park, kick-off 2.00 p.m.